So as my new-found reality (See Post: Andy’s Plight Without a Fight) of unconquerable pain wore on, I was sorry – sorry I teased Charlie, chased Clem and generally caused mayhem. I wouldn’t do that again – if only it would make the agony pass.
Truth be told, the longer I sat at the front door, waiting for it to ‘open sesame’, I felt meaner and meaner. The sky brightened, the sun rose and so did Momma. Of course she noticed right away that I was hopping along on three paws but she is not the panic OMG type – more like the wait and see type. Apparently I wasn’t a priority. Where did I hear that one before?
As the days went on, I got meaner and meaner with the cats as I dragged around putting as little pressure as possible on my right paw. My little white paw started to swell, like a balloon. I could no longer eat. I did not go outside. I felt done like a dinner. Momma said it was vet time….
Vets come in all stripes, you know. Some are compassionate to a fault, others look at Momma and say, ‘It’s just a cat. You can get another one.’ What pray tell does that mean? Am I expendable? Have I not claimed a spot in the heart of my family? Won’t they miss my low purrs and louder meows (to be left outdoor) if I am gone? Let’s call the vet I saw Dr. Practical Empathy. He was absolutely kind to me but since the only cure for my swollen paw was an operation, the vet informed Momma another option available was to put me down. Huh? Did I hear that correctly? Momma was shocked. ‘No, Andy is healthy, well–loved and an integral part of our family. Operate.’ Phew. Cats really do have nine lives, it . Muchas gracias, Momma.
So it came to pass, I was whisked in to surgery and woke up with a cast like bandage on my right paw. It did not feel right but, good news, the pain had turned to just the discomfort of restriction. And all the staff fussed over me, telling me how brave I was. A few hours later, Momma came to take me home, home on the range, where the dog, cats, skunks, raccoons and rabbits roam…and a few foolhardy mice. Dr. Practical Empathy told Momma another cat (he could tell by the size of the teeth mark) had bitten clear through my bone. Sounds like I met up with the dreaded Forest Freak.
Let me tell you, I was given a Royal Welcome when I got home. Jakita rushed over to sniff and air kiss me. Even Diva Calico Gen got up and sauntered over, and massaged me with her head. Charlie stood back and observed but seeing how I was not quite at par, she did not hiss. That was a first. I guess she like the new non-threatening pathetic Andy.
I hobbled over to the kitty hotel, jumped on the roof, away from all the love. I had some healing to do…don’t interrupt me…but thanks for caring….I’ll tell you the details later……
